With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to debunk scary myths about motorcycle safety.

It’s finally October, and in just a few short weeks, we will be celebrating Halloween! Although the frights on Halloween night are all in good fun, there are plenty of motorcycle safety myths that are seriously scary because believing them could put your life in danger. At Big Sleazy Inc., we are dedicated to celebrating our love for motorcycles at our motorcycle events in New Orleans, but we also want to help every rider stay safe and have fun. Here are a few of the scariest myths about motorcycle safety debunked :

Myth #1. You shouldn’t wear a full face helmet because it will restrict your vision.

A full face helmet is actually one of the best options because it provides the most protection and prevents bugs, rain and debris from flying in your face. However, many people don’t wear them because they are worried that their peripheral vision will be obstructed. The good news is that the Department of Transportation has safety standards that require all helmets to provide a 210-degree field of vision at a minimum.

Myth #2. It’s safer to modify your exhaust pipes so they are louder.

The theory behind loud exhaust pipes is that they will make motorcyclists more noticeable to nearby drivers, but this noise is often directed behind you, not in front of you or around you, and the drivers behind you are the most likely to see you anyway. Plus, loud pipes often give riders a false sense of security, which leads them to take bigger risks than they normally would.

Myth #3. Riding around town is safer than riding on the highway.

Many riders think that they are safer around town because they aren’t going as fast, but according to a 2007 study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, out of all of the crashes between passenger vehicles and motorcycles, around 91 percent occur on non-interstate roadways. It’s important to always be extremely careful when riding, even when you are just riding around town.

Stay tuned for our next blog to learn the truth about more motorcycle safety myths.